Nurseries : We Tell You Everything!

Welcome to our series of articles dedicated to different childcare solutions.

In this first article, we will focus on nurseries, which are collective care centers where children are looked after by professionals. We will examine the types of daycare, subsidized or not, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as practical information such as registration procedures and closure periods.

Ready to learn more about nurseries?

Let's discover together the important details to know about this childcare solution.

Nurseries are collective care centers where children are looked after by professionals. There are two types of nurseries: subsidized nurseries (also known as public nurseries) and non-subsidized nurseries (private nurseries).

1. Subsidized nurseries (Public nurseries):

• Subsidized nurseries receive grants from municipalities, which can lower the cost of childcare compared to non-subsidized nurseries.

• These nurseries are generally part of the municipal networks in which they are located. Parents can only enroll their children in subsidized nurseries within their place of residence.

• The cost of a spot depends on the child's attendance and the family's income. Each network has its own fee structure based on these criteria.

• Discounts may also be offered if another child from the same family is already enrolled in the same network.

• Priority is given to siblings of children already enrolled in a network and to children whose both parents work. It is advisable to join the waiting list as early as the 3rd month of pregnancy, as places are highly sought after.

• Registrations are usually done in preparation for the start of the school year (August/September). It may be more difficult to obtain a spot during the school year, depending on the network.
  

2. Non-subsidized nurseries (Private nurseries):

• Non-subsidized nurseries are open to all children without restrictions based on place of residence or parents' employers.

• The availability of spots may be slightly easier, although there can still be a considerable waiting list.

• These private nurseries may offer activities and enriching teachings that are more diverse than public facilities, such as bilingual groups or specific pedagogical approaches like the Montessori method.

• The fees for non-subsidized spots vary depending on the region. In the canton of Vaud, the full-time rate is around CHF 2800.- In the canton of Geneva, it is around CHF 3500.-

• Registration fees of approximately CHF 250.- are generally required when obtaining a spot. These fees are typically non-refundable if the spot is declined.

Regarding the general conditions common to most nurseries:

Attendance:

• It is possible to enroll a child in a nursery on a full-time or part-time basis. Most nurseries require a minimum presence of 2 half-days per week to ensure proper care and facilitate the child's integration into the group.

• Subsidized nurseries may accept irregular attendance requests if they are related to work commitments.
  

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Advantages of nurseries compared to other childcare systems:

• Child socialization (applies more to children aged 1 year and above)

• Structured and enriching activities (crafts, outings)

• Facilities specifically designed for childcare (secure spaces)

• Professional educators

Disadvantages of nurseries compared to other childcare systems:

• Less personalized care due to multiple children in the groups and limited individual attention from educators

• Children may be more prone to illnesses due to close proximity to other children

• Nurseries do not accommodate sick children (alternative solutions must be found) - follow our upcoming articles on emergency childcare solutions!

• Fixed opening and closing hours of the nursery (generally from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM)

Closures:

Nurseries usually have annual closure periods. They are typically closed for 4-5 weeks per year (2 weeks during the Christmas period and 2-3 weeks in summer, usually at the end of July/beginning of August).

Please note that specific dates and the number of closure days may vary from one nursery to another. It is recommended to inquire with each institution to know their specific closure periods.

If you would like to access a free interactive map of private nurseries, click below (login to the FamilyPro website as a member):

Map of Private Nurseries Private nurseries in the cantons of Vaud and Geneva

Stay tuned!

In our upcoming articles, we will explore other childcare solutions to help you make an informed decision regarding childcare options in French-speaking Switzerland.

FamilyPro Sàrl - Work-Life balance - advise and solutions for families www.familypro.ch - info@familypro.ch - 022 313 08 72